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Degree Programs

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Master of Divinity

Our new Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) prepares you to serve as a spiritual leader in your community. You will gain hands-on training for diverse religious, spiritual, and nonprofit careers while immersing yourself in transformative experiences. The MDiv is required for ordination in many denominations and sets the stage for advanced studies.

Our MDiv is offered online and in person on both the Lancaster Seminary campus in Lancaster, PA and on the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Seminary campus in Bethlehem, PA.

Flexible and Innovative

Our MDiv is designed to fit your busy schedule, with full-time and part-time options, and courses offered both in person on-campus in Bethlehem and Lancaster and online. We also offer a weekend schedule with classes on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings that is ideal for working adults.
Weekday classes are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Friday at 7 p.m. No classes are held on Wednesday. Saturday classes are held at 9 a.m. and sometimes at 11:15 a.m.

Here’s what it takes

Our MDiv is a 78-credit degree program. There are 54 required credits along with 24 credits set aside for electives and denomination-specific requirements. You can finish in three years by taking 12+ credits per semester or finish in four-to-six years by taking fewer than 12 credits per semester.

Learning Outcomes

Our MDiv program addresses these learning outcomes:

  • Interpret sacred and theological texts, artifacts, and practices of one’s own and other relevant traditions with sensitivity to literary, historical, and cultural contexts, and to the social and spiritual implications of interpretation.
  • Assess the social, ecological, economic, political, cultural, and interreligious dynamics of diverse contexts of ministry through local engagement and global awareness.
    Critically and constructively reflect on one’s understanding and experience of the divine, the self, and others within the theologies and spiritualities of one’s own tradition and in conversation with others.
  • Articulate and practice a theological and ethical understanding of authority, power, and accountability that recognizes, supports, and affirms the dignity and worth of all persons.
  • Cultivate and apply appropriate liturgical, administrative, and relational leadership practices that foster healing, discernment, and empowerment of individuals and communities in the settings to which they are called.

Ordination

Ordination is governed and bestowed by specific religious bodies and not by the School of Theology. Getting your MDiv does not guarantee ordination. Approval as a candidate for ordination is a separate and parallel track to the admissions process at the School of Theology. Be sure to consult your denominational authorities about your specific ordination requirements, and we will work closely with you to help you stay on top of those requirements.

Courses that reflect contemporary realities

Our courses are timely and relevant, driven by questions the Church and the world are asking. Combined with the deep learning at the heart of our rich academic heritage, you will be prepared for the challenges of contemporary religious engagement. Click here for the 2024 Curriculum Overview.

Required courses:

  • Church History from Pentecost to Yesterday
  • Ecumenical Encounters: Articulating Faith in a Global Church
  • Engaging the Questions Together
  • Field Education
  • Intercultural Immersion Seminar
  • Introduction to Christian Ethics
  • Introduction to the Old Testament
  • Introduction to Theological Education
  • Leading Future Faith Communities
  • New Testament and Early Christianity
  • Praxis and Social Change
  • Proclamation and Public Rhetoric
  • Religious Education in Theory and Practic
  • Spiritual Care in Contemporary Contexts
  • Spiritual Quests and Theological Reflection
  • Worship
     

Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MACh)

Flexible and Innovative

The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy is a 72-credit degree program that prepares students to work as chaplains in various settings, including health care, hospice care, public service, prisons, educational and corporate settings. The program combines in-depth academic work with practical application to ensure students are ready for the field of chaplaincy. Students may choose to specialize in hospice and palliative care through the specialized Palliative Care Track offered within the degree program by taking Intro to Palliative Spiritual Care as an elective.

Here's What it Takes

Our Master of Arts in Chaplaincy is a 72-credit degree program. There are 69 required credits along with 3 credits. You can finish in three years by taking 10–13 credits per semester or finish in four to six years by taking fewer than ten credits per semester.

Learning Outcomes

A - Interpret sacred and theological texts, artifacts, and practices of one’s own and other relevant traditions with sensitivity to literary, historical, and cultural contexts, and to the social and spiritual implications of interpretation.

B - Assess the social, ecological, economic, political, cultural, and interreligious dynamics of diverse contexts of ministry through local engagement and global awareness.

C1 - Critically and constructively reflect on one’s understanding and experience of the divine, the self, and others within the theologies and spiritualities of one’s own tradition and in conversation with others.

C2 - Articulate and practice a theological and ethical understanding of authority, power, and accountability that recognizes, supports, and affirms the dignity and worth of all persons.

D1 - Cultivate and apply appropriate liturgical, administrative, and relational leadership practices that foster healing, discernment, and empowerment of individuals and communities in the settings to which they are called.

D2 - Demonstrate proficiency in using disciplinary-appropriate methods for research, critical analysis, and professional performance.

Courses That Reflect Contemporary Realities

This is an interdisciplinary, cross-school degree program. Three required courses are cross-registered with the School of Behavioral Health.

Required Courses:

Introduction to Theological Education

This course will introduce new students to the diversities present in the Seminary community and to institutional commitments toward forming a supportive community of learning and theological reflection. Students will be introduced to anti-racist frameworks, power, and privilege dynamics (to include the intersections of gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, abilities, etc.), and the role of language (inclusivity, pronouns, etc.) to include or exclude others. It will also introduce students to contemplative spiritual practices and theological writing.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Our Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree (MATS) provides you with a strong theological foundation for church leadership or advanced studies. It is designed for those who seek to explore a deeper theological understanding, prepare for further academic work, or probe questions of personal religious concern. You can tailor the program to fit your academic and career interests. You’ll complete a capstone project that allows you to delve deeply into an area that drives your curiosity.

Our MATS is offered online and in person on both the Lancaster Seminary campus in Lancaster, Pa., and on the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Seminary campus in Bethlehem, Pa.

Flexible and Innovative

Our MATS is designed to fit both your busy schedule and your educational goals. You have full-time and part-time options, and you can choose to take courses online or in person on either campus in Bethlehem and Lancaster. We offer a weekend schedule with classes held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings that is ideal for working adults.

Classes are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday starting at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.and on Friday starting at 7:00 p.m. There are no classes on Wednesday. Saturday classes are held at 9:00 a.m and sometimes at 11:15 a.m. 

Here’s what it takes

Our MATS is a 48-credit degree program. We designed an extremely flexible program to meet the various needs of our students. There are 24 required credits and 24 credits set aside for electives. You can finish in two years by taking 12+ credits per semester or finish in four-to-six years by taking fewer than 12 credits per semester.

Learning outcomes

Our MATS program addresses these learning outcomes:

  • Interpret and critically analyze sacred and theological artifacts, and practices of your own and other traditions.
  • Articulate and practice a theological and ethical understanding of authority, power, and accountability that recognizes, supports, and affirms the dignity and worth of all persons.
  • Demonstrate depth of understanding and research competency in a particular area resulting in a coherent, researched discussion in an integrative project.

Courses That Reflect Contemporary Realities

Our courses are timely and relevant, driven by questions the Church and the world are asking. Combined with the deep learning at the heart of our rich academic heritage, you will be prepared for the challenges of contemporary religious engagement. Click here for the MATS 2024 Curriculum Overview.

Required Courses

Introduction to Theological Education

This course will introduce new students to the diversities present in the Seminary community and to institutional commitments toward forming a supportive community of learning and theological reflection. Students will be introduced to anti-racist frameworks, power, and privilege dynamics (to include the intersections of gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, abilities, etc.), and the role of language (inclusivity, pronouns, etc.) to include or exclude others. It will also introduce students to contemplative spiritual practices and theological writing.

Engaging the Questions Together

This course brings together students from a cross section of masters level degrees and certificates to engage significant theological, ethical, and ministerial/pastoral questions. It expects students to deploy insight and learnings from their current and prior coursework as they consider those questions. With attention to the social and spiritual implications of interpretation, the course requires students to deploy a variety of analytical tools and pastoral skills, with the acknowledgement that simplistic responses are inadequate for complex issues.

MATS Research Seminar

The MATS Research Seminar introduces students to a range of disciplines in the field of theological studies: historical, textual, and theological. Students will engage with major lines of interpretation and inquiry and learn standard forms of research and argumentation related to each field. Students will develop their skills in academic writing.

MATS Capstone Development

MATS Capstone Development assists students in preparing for their Capstone Projects by enhancing their research and writing skills. In multiple stages, students will develop proposals for their Capstone Projects that indicate their focus of study, research methodology, and basic bibliographic resources. Peer review constitutes an essential dimension of the learning experience.

MATS Capstone Project

This course involves the completion of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies Capstone Project. In consultation with a faculty Capstone advisor, learners will develop a project that builds a contribution based upon their own research.

Master of Ministry (MMin)

Our Master of Ministry degree (MMin) is designed for individuals, either in new or continuing ministry, who seek deeper theological reflection on the practice of ministry but who do not require a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree.

This streamlined professional degree offers a dynamic blend of traditional studies and essential leadership skills. Our program offers you the opportunity for a transformative journey into theology, community building, justice work, and spiritual care.

Our MMin is offered online and in person on both the Lancaster Seminary campus in Lancaster, Pa., and on the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Seminary campus in Bethlehem, Pa.

Flexible and Innovative

Our MMin is designed to fit your busy schedule. You have full-time and part-time options, and you can choose to take courses online or in person on either campus in Bethlehem and Lancaster. We offer a weekend schedule with classes on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings that is ideal for working adults.

Weekday classes are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Friday starting at 7:00 p.m. No classes are held on Wednesday. Saturday classes are held at 9 a.m and sometimes at 11:15 a.m. 

Here’s what it takes

Our Master of Ministry is a 48-credit degree program. You can finish in two years by taking 12+ credits per semester or finish in four-to-six years by taking fewer than 12 credits per semester.

Learning Outcomes

Our Master of Ministry program addresses these learning outcomes:

  • Interpret and critically analyze sacred and theological artifacts, and practices of your own and other traditions, with awareness of their contexts and social and religious implications of interpretation.
  • Assess the social, ecological, economic, political, cultural, and interreligious dynamics of contexts of ministry through local engagement.
  • Reflect critically and constructively on one’s understanding and experience of the divine, the self, and others.
  • Articulate and practice a theological and ethical understanding of authority, power, and accountability that recognizes, supports, and affirms the dignity and worth of all persons.
  • Cultivate and apply appropriate administrative, liturgical, relational, and/or leadership practices.

Courses that reflect contemporary realities

Our courses are timely and relevant, driven by questions the Church and the world are asking. Combined with the deep learning at the heart of our rich academic heritage, you will be prepared for the challenges of contemporary religious engagement. Click here for the MMin 2024 Curriculum Overview.

Required courses

Ecumenical Encounters: Articulating Faith in a Global Church

Christianity is globally diverse. This course is designed to enable students to articulate their own convictions on major theological topics in respectful conversation with major streams (theological thinkers, texts, and movements) within the multi-faceted world-wide doctrinal and practical expressions of Christian churches.

Engaging the Questions Together

This course brings together students from a cross section of masters level degrees and certificates to engage significant theological, ethical, and ministerial/pastoral questions. It expects students to deploy insight and learnings from their current and prior coursework as they consider those questions. With attention to the social and spiritual implications of interpretation, the course requires students to deploy a variety of analytical tools and pastoral skills, with the acknowledgement that simplistic responses are inadequate for complex issues.

Introduction to the Old Testament

This course equips students to engage the richness and the challenges of the Old Testament critically, imaginatively, and theologically. Students will increase their knowledge of the content and character of the collection, the historical and cultural contexts of its origins, and the diversity embedded in the texts and their interpretation. They will develop their abilities to interpret Old Testament texts in ways that engage critical methods of biblical studies and honor the dignity of diverse peoples and our planet.

Introduction to Spiritual Formation

This course offers a blend of teaching, discussion, and experiential exercises and includes a regular small-group experience in which group members engage spiritual practice and reflection together. Students will sample contemplative/centering prayer, meditation, pilgrimage, retreat, journaling, holy listening, creativity, the labyrinth, and other practices and will choose one spiritual practice to explore and experience throughout the semester. Course content includes a survey of the history and development of spiritual practices in religious tradition and highlights engaged practice as a primary means of shaping and living out one’s spirituality. Emphasis is placed on application of learnings to one’s life and ministry/counseling practice.

Introduction to Theological Education

This course will introduce new students to the diversities present in the Seminary community and to institutional commitments toward forming a supportive community of learning and theological reflection. Students will be introduced to anti-racist frameworks, power, and privilege dynamics (to include the intersections of gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, abilities, etc.), and the role of language (inclusivity, pronouns, etc.) to include or exclude others. It will also introduce students to contemplative spiritual practices and theological writing.

MMin Seminar (Ministerial Ethics)

This course will introduce students to the unique moral role that pastors and those working in service organizations play. It will underscore the need to serve with integrity and with respect for the persons they serve. It will introduce students to the types of choices and ethical dilemmas that they will face and equip them to decide and act wisely.

New Testament and Early Christianity

This class introduces students to processes of and approaches to New Testament interpretation with a view toward vocational application. It provides a broad familiarity with contents and central themes of New Testament, early Christian, and other contemporary texts.

Proclamation and Public Rhetoric

This course is designed to give an overview of the theory and practice of public speaking, centering on Christian proclamation in the context of public worship, and public oratory. It covers a brief history of public rhetoric, and spends time on the theology and place of preaching in communities of faith, with attention to culturally diverse groups. It will also build upon verbal communication skills, providing support for students to improve and care for their voices as they develop vocal stamina. Students will learn a variety of styles of oratory from conception to delivery, in order to explore and develop their own public voice.

Religious Education in Theory and Practice

This course equips students for the educational dimensions of all forms of ministry. It explores a variety of theories of Christian education and their theological and philosophical foundations. Particular pedagogical skills are examined and practiced, with an emphasis on group theory and leadership. Communal and individual contextual factors influencing the ways that students learn are taken into account.

Spiritual Care in Contemporary Contexts

This course will survey historical and contemporary models of spiritual/pastoral care and will introduce students to the basic knowledge, skills, and personal attributes needed for the practice of care in a variety of contexts, including parish based ministry, chaplaincy, and other non-profit settings. Training and practice in listening skills, spiritual/pastoral assessment, theological reflection, crisis care, and responding to a variety of common spiritual/pastoral issues will be included.

Worship

An introductory course on theology defined as the self-critically reflective dimension of the Christian life, and that it is imperative for all Christians to engage in this activity. Theology happens when Christians try to determine what they should do, how they should feel, and what they should think about their world in order to live as genuine persons of faith, i.e. something that Christians do when they are perplexed about how to live their lives most faithfully. This course invites students to read the works of others who have undertaken this task, and guides students as they do the same. Topics will be studied in the context of their historical development as well as confronting contemporary questions, ideas, and beliefs.

Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL)

A program designed for professionals seeking to understand and communicate the intersections of religion and social, historical, political and cultural contexts in people’s lives.

This new and innovative 36-credit program will place its graduates at the forefront of professionals with competencies working in religiously diverse settings no matter what their profession.

The Master of Religion and Public Life is not a traditional graduate theological degree. Instead of preparing church leaders seeking credentialing for ordination or religious leadership the MRPL provides comprehensive religious literacy for professionals across various sectors, including:

  • Public service administrators
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Social workers
  • Educators
  • Community organizational leaders
  • Non-profit managers

Students who complete the Master of Religion and Public Life will achieve the following objectives. 

  • Articulate and practice an ethical understanding of authority, power, and accountability that recognizes, supports, and affirms the dignity and worth of all persons.
  • Assess the intersections of social, ecological, economic, political, cultural, and interreligious dynamics of religious experiences in US public life.
  • Demonstrate depth of understanding and research competency in a particular area related to US religious culture and public life through identifying a research problem, employing primary and secondary research materials, and providing a coherent, researched discussion in a final integrative paper.

The program welcomes professionals from all backgrounds who seek to enhance their cultural competency and professional effectiveness.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now being accepted. Interested professionals should email seminaryadmissions@moravian.edu for more information.

18-Month Program

The following sequence would allow a full-time student to complete the MRPL in three semesters or one-and-a-half years.

  • Year 1, Fall (13 credits)
    THEO 501 Introduction to Theological Education (3)
    THEO 511 Engaging the Questions Together (1)
    THEO 630 Intro to Old Testament (3) (or THEO 640: New Testament and Early Christianity)
    THEO 620 Church History from Pentecost to Yesterday (3)
    Elective credits (3)
  • Year 1, Spring (13 credits)
    THEO 511 Engaging the Questions Together (1)
    THEO 541 Master of Arts in Theological Studies Research Seminar (3)
    Elective credits (9)
  • Year 2, Fall (10 credits)
    THEO 511 Engaging the Questions Together (1 credit)
    THEO Religion in Context elective (Select one from RiC category; 3)
    THEO 570 Final integrative paper (3)
    Elective credits (3)

Interested professionals should email seminaryadmissions@moravian.edu for more information.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Deepen your practice of ministry with a doctorate.

Our fully accredited, Doctor of Ministry program for religious professionals is designed to help you:

  • Grow spiritually
  • Lead with inspiration and insight
  • Inquire deeply through study and research
  • Engage in rich dialogue with renowned faculty and engaged colleagues from many faith traditions.

Now offered at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster and º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Theological Seminary in Bethlehem.

about scholarships and financial aid. 

Flexible and Innovative

Our Doctor of Ministry is designed to fit your busy schedule. The hybrid program offers convenient online learning combined with five-day, on-campus intensives in the fall and spring.

Here’s what it takes

Our DMin is a 30-credit degree program. You can finish in four years or choose the accelerated program to get your doctorate in three years. The program integrates theological reflection with your ongoing practice of ministry, provides opportunities to learn with and from peers, and blends convenient online coursework with powerful on-campus intensive courses one week each term.

Admission requirements

  • Accredited Master of Divinity degree, ministry related or religious studies master’s degree;
  • Significant ministerial experience (usually 3-5 years);
  • The ability to thoughtfully interpret scripture and theological tradition;
  • The ability to articulate a self-understanding of  ministerial identity and vocational calling.

Courses that reflect contemporary realities

Our courses are timely and relevant, driven by questions the Church and the world are asking. Combined with the deep learning at the heart of our rich academic heritage, you will be prepared for the challenges of contemporary religious engagement.

The DMin program offers you a rare and valuable opportunity to engage with others on the big questions:

  • What does it mean to be human?
  • How wide is God's mercy?
  • What is the nature of power?
  • What is needed for human flourishing?

Exciting core courses

  • Listening as an Act of Love
  • America's Changing Religious Landscape
  • Developing Leaders and Cultivating Partnerships
  • Major Project Proposal Preparation

Dynamic electives

  • Theological Improv
  • Forming Faith in an Internet World
  • Grief & Trauma Informed Ministry
  • What Happens When All Are Welcome?
  • Sustaining Spiritual Life in the 21st Century
  • Where Theology & Strategic Planning Meet
  • Social Justice & Faith Communities